Unusual catch of ghol Pseudosciaena
diacanthus off Goa

Abstract

O.n 19th September 1973, a huge shoal of 'Ghol' was caught by a private
purse seiner off Goa. The total number of specimens captured was 2309 and the
size ranged from 95 to 130 cm. with an average length of 109 cm. The total weight
of the catch was estimated at 30.24 tonnes and composed of V to VII year old
fish. Examination of stomach contemts revealed that the food item was Malabar
Sole Cynoglossus macrostomiis (Norman). Regurgitated food was found inside the
mouth, but extroverted stomach were not noted. The availability of food in the
inshore waters off Goa is suggested as the prime factor in the inshore migration of
"Ghol' during the monsoon months.